Filipino American History Month is honored with a flag of the Philippines raised at the County Building. Photo from County of Hawai'i |
FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH proceeded with the raising of a flag on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the County Building in Hilo. Members of the Filipino community, County officials, and special guests gathered to recognize the rich cultural contributions of Filipino Americans to the Island and across the nation.
Mayor Mitch Roth, joined by Filipino community leaders, emphasized the significance of the event as a symbol of unity, heritage, and pride for the Filipino community on Hawai'i Island.
"Raising the Philippine flag today is more than just an acknowledgment of our Filipino American community; it's a celebration of the history, values, and deep cultural ties that enrich our island and our lives," said Roth. "We honor the hard work and dedication of our Filipino community, whose contributions have helped shape Hawai'i Island into the place we all proudly call home."
Jane Clement, a Filipino community leader and Mayor Roth's Executive Assistant, shared her personal reflections on the significance of the ceremony, highlighting the deep cultural connection that many Filipino Americans feel to their heritage.
"This ceremony symbolizes the shared history and enduring spirit of Filipinos in Hawai'i," said Clement. "Filipino American History Month is a time for us to remember the resilience, strength, and unity of our ancestors who paved the way for future generations. We are proud to stand here today as we honor their legacy and our vibrant Filipino community."
The County statement said, "For the County of Hawai'i, this month provides an opportunity to acknowledge the role of Filipino Americans in local culture, industry, and community leadership. The County will continue to engage with the Filipino community throughout October, celebrating their contributions with various events and activities."
The Philippines flag flies at the county building during October, which is Filipino American History Month. |
AN ARMED STANDOFF IN VOLCANO prompted Hawai‘i Island police to arrest 58-year-old Shawn Edward Page for first-degree attempted murder and trespassing on Thursday. Here is the Hawai'i Police Department account:
Shortly before 10 a.m., Puna patrol officers responded to a residence on the 11-3000 block of Nahelenani Street, in Volcano, after receiving a report of a male illegally occupying the residence, which was supposed to be vacant.
Officers arriving at the residence identified the man as Page, and learned that he was wanted for questioning relative to a previous incident involving his dog. Officers also identified a dog within the residence which resembled the dog involved in the incident. As officers attempted to legally remove the dog from the front door of the residence and speak with Page, he quickly pulled the dog into the residence, where he verbally threatened the officers while brandishing a firearm. Officers attempted to speak with Page, however he refused and locked himself in the residence.
Officers at the scene then created a perimeter of the residence. The department’s Special Response Team, along with federal partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation SWAT Team, and the United States Marshal Service, had been deployed earlier Wednesday morning to execute a high-risk search warrant on a wanted fugitive, considered to be armed and dangerous, in the vicinity of Malia Aina Road in the Fern Forest area of Glenwood. Once the Fern Forest incident was cleared, the SRT team, along the Crisis Negotiation Team, and federal partner agencies, responded to assist given their close proximity to the Volcano incident. The Fern Forest incident was unrelated to the Volcano incident.
Members of the Special Response Team attempted to engage in communication with Page, however, he remained uncooperative, and on several occasions shot towards officers.
Law enforcement personnel continued to attempt to have Page peacefully exit the residence, however, he refused, and police remained on scene throughout the night.
During the course of the standoff, Page discharged a firearm on numerous occasions within the residence, and shot towards police personnel on three separate occasions.
On Thursday morning, shortly after 9:00 a.m., as the Special Response Team entered the residence, Page shot at officers and one member of the Special Response Team returned fire, prior to the officers retreating to safety. Page managed to breech the residence and escape into the rear of the property. In the process of retreating, one member of the Special Response Team received a large laceration from broken window glass.
Police expanded the perimeter and conducted a detailed search of the heavily forested property.
At 10:16 a.m., Page was located several hundred yards from the residence hiding in vegetation.
Upon being located and arrested for first-degree attempted murder and trespassing, Page was found to be in possession of a loaded pistol. Additional charges are pending.
Page received minor injuries during the incident. He was treated by medics at the scene and then transported to the East Hawaii Detection Center in Hilo, pending investigation.
Following Page being taken into custody, Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section executed a search warrant on the residence, where a potential homemade explosive device was located. Police immediately evacuated the residence and are awaiting bomb tech experts to respond to access the device. The scene remains secured by police at this time.
The officer who was injured was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released.
Police ask for anyone with information relative to this incident to contact Detective Amy Omaya of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2381 or via email at Amy.Omaya@hawaiicounty.gov.
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"Families can benefit from eating together, even if it’s only one meal a day. October is National Eat Better, Eat together Month. Children learn important social skill from eating together, skills like manners, sharing, taking turns and cleaning up after themselves. Family meals offer children important communication and bonding opportunities as well, this time helps to strengthen the familial bonds and boost confidence in young diners. This time can also prove beneficial in enforcing healthy eating habits, prevent mindless overeating, and encourage picky eaters to try something new. Family dinner can be a great way to involve older kids in the kitchen, helping promote a healthy relationship with nutrition.
"Carving out meal times with everyone’s busy schedules can be difficult, but the secret is in the preparation. Spend some time planning which meal time works best to bring everyone together, let everyone have a day to pick what’s on the menu, let keiki help shop for the groceries, wash fruits and veggies, and set the table. Encourage them to find recipes they might like to try, or show them how to make some family favorites from your childhood. You just might find that everyone eats a little better when they eat together."To read comments, add your own, and like this story, seefacebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.